Futsal National Team Draws Canada 4-4 in Crucial Play-Off Match

FutsalMay 5, 2016

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (May 4, 2016) – The U.S. Futsal National Team played to a 4-4 draw against Canada in the first meeting of the two-match aggregate series for a spot in the 2016 CONCACAF Futsal Championship.

U.S. forward Franck Tayou scored the first goal of the night in the 20th minute of his first international cap. Despite Canada’s best effort to counter, goalkeeper Danny Waltman helped the U.S. to a 1-0 lead at the half.

Defender Patrick Healey and midfielder Nelson Santana each scoredin the first 10 minutes of the second half to give the U.S. a 3-0 lead with just over 30 minutes to play. Canada struck back with four goals in the span of 10 minutes including two scores by Ian Bennett and one apiece for Matias Dimarco and Nazim Belguendouz, the latter on the penalty kick after the U.S. accumulated six fouls.

U.S. midfielder Daniel Mattos scored a crucial game-tying goal in the 40th and final minute following a set piece from midfielder Kraig Chiles.

Defender Adriano Dos Santos and forward Tony Donatelli also earned their first international cap with the USFNT.

The USA and Canada complete the two-match series tonight at 10 p.m. ET. The winner of the aggregate-goal series will receive the final berth for the 2016 CONCACAF Futsal Championship. In the result of a tie, extra time must be played at the end of the 40-minute match. Extra time will consist of two five-minute periods, followed by penalty kicks if the match remains at a draw. The team that earns the Group B spot will face Costa Rica on Sunday, May 8 at 7:30 p.m. ET.